A state-of-the-art facility for a growing airline

A 70,000-square-foot (6,500-square-meter) aircraft maintenance hangar can accommodate three A320 aircraft at one time for light and line maintenance.

Our technical operations crewmembers will now have a state-of-the-art facility that will allow them to service our JetBlue Airbus A320s and the soon-to-arrive Embraer E190s right in our own backyard.

David Neeleman

JetBlue CEO

Opportunity

In the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks, many airlines struggled but JetBlue continued to be profitable. As of 2003, the airline had 45 new Airbus A320 aircraft, planned to add another eight by the end of the year, and had ordered an additional 100 Embraer E190 aircraft.

That year, JetBlue broke ground for an ambitious new aircraft maintenance facility that would cover about 140,000 square feet (13,000 square meters). The facility, located at New York City’s JFK airport, included a state-of-the-art automated parts retrieval and storage system and a warehouse with loading docks for storing aircraft provisions. A two-story office building provided offices, break rooms, and support space for more than 400 personnel.

A critical part of the new facility was a new 70,000-square-foot (6,500-square-meter) aircraft maintenance hangar that could accommodate three A320 aircraft at one time for light and line maintenance.

Solution

Mott MacDonald provided the complete design for the aircraft pavement and foundation components of the hangar project, which was implemented under a Design-Build scenario with Turner Construction as the contractor and HOK as the prime consultant.

We also specified design criteria for the pre-engineered building and fire protection components, reviewed the design, and provided various construction services.

Outcome

At the opening of the new hangar, JetBlue CEO David Neeleman said, “Opening our Technical Operations Campus at JFK allows us to continue to be a growing and viable airline at New York’s busiest airport. Our technical operations crewmembers will now have a state-of-the-art facility that will allow them to service our JetBlue Airbus A320s and the soon-to-arrive Embraer E190s right in our own backyard.”

Mayor Michael Bloomberg said, “I am pleased JetBlue decided to expand its maintenance facilities at JFK Airport, an important project that will add quality jobs to the company’s more than 4,000 employees who are New York-based. JetBlue is a great example of how our five-borough economic development strategy and our efforts to diversify New York City’s economy are paying off.”

Empire State Development chairman Charles A. Gargano said, “This is also great news for the region and the entire state as JetBlue continues to serve as an economic engine, bringing visitors and travelers who are filling our hotels and restaurants and furthering commerce.”